Medication errors. They are many patient’s worst fear. They can occur in almost any medical setting, from a hospital and outpatient center to a pharmacy. What’s worse, they are almost always preventable.
Incidentally, hospitals rely on strict drug verification protocols, such as barcode verification and double-check procedures, specifically designed to catch mix-ups. When an error occurs to a patient despite these safety measures, it’s usually a sign that medical staff failed to follow standard safety protocols (rather than an unavoidable medical risk). Such mistakes may form the basis of a medication error/medical malpractice claim. Contact our Las Cruces medication error lawyer for a free consultation.
Common Types of Prescription and Administration Errors
Pharmaceutical mistakes can occur at any stage of medical treatment, from patient-filled prescriptions to administration in a hospital bed. They can also embrace any form of administration, including oral consumption, IV administration, etc.
The most common examples include:
- Giving the wrong drug due to similar labels or patient mix-ups
- Dosing errors, such as giving too much, too little, or the wrong amount
- Harmful drug interactions from failing to check a patient’s current prescriptions
- Using the wrong method to give a drug, like giving liquid medicine through an IV
- Severe allergic reactions caused by ignoring recorded patient allergies
- Missing or delaying doses of critical medications like insulin or blood thinners
Spotting a medicinal mistake can be tricky, especially if you do not know what your pill should look like. Warning signs include pills that differ in color or shape from past refills or unusual or severe side effects after consumption or administration. Likewise, conflicting dosage instructions or differences between your doctor’s instructions and the pharmacy label could suggest an error.
Symptoms That Indicate a Medication Mistake
Clinical staff may not readily confess to a mistake. Identifying physical warning signs can help you seek immediate medical help and establish an evidence record that connects your harm to medicine you consumed.
Common red flags include:
- Sudden confusion
- Severe drowsiness
- Unexpected allergic reactions (e.g., rashes, hives, or trouble breathing)
- Irregular heartbeats or a sudden drop in blood pressure
- Severe nausea/stomach pain
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
Even a noticeable feeling that your health has suddenly taken a turn for the worse may be enough to seek medical care.
If you notice these adverse symptoms, notify your medical staff immediately and ask whether a possible medication error occurred. When you are able, you should request full copies of your official medication administration records, which detail the exact drugs, times, and dosages administered. Reach out to our medical malpractice lawyer for assistance.
Remedies Available to Injured Patients
If a pharmacy mistake caused you harm, you may be entitled to compensation for additional medical treatment, lost income during your recovery, pain and suffering, and any long-term health issues resulting from the error.
If you were injured by an improper prescription or incorrect dosage, an experienced attorney can help you evaluate your rights and legal options. Coates & Johnson can investigate your case and help you pursue every available remedy. Contact us today to set up a consultation.